Memory having storage locations within a common volume of phase change material

ABSTRACT

A memory includes a volume of phase change material, a first transistor coupled to the volume of phase change material for accessing a first storage location within the volume of phase change material, and a second transistor coupled to the volume of phase change material for accessing a second storage location within the volume of phase change material.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/400,742, filed on Apr. 7, 2006, assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

One type of non-volatile memory is resistive memory. Resistive memory utilizes the resistance value of a memory element to store one or more bits of data. For example, a memory element programmed to have a high resistance value may represent a logic “1” data bit value, and a memory element programmed to have a low resistance value may represent a logic “0” data bit value. The resistance value of the memory element is switched electrically by applying a voltage pulse or a current pulse to the memory element. One type of resistive memory is phase change memory. Phase change memory uses a phase change material for the resistive memory element.

Phase change memories are based on phase change materials that exhibit at least two different states. Phase change material may be used in memory cells to store bits of data. The states of phase change material may be referred to as amorphous and crystalline states. The states may be distinguished because the amorphous state generally exhibits higher resistivity than does the crystalline state. Generally, the amorphous state involves a more disordered atomic structure, while the crystalline state involves a more ordered lattice. Some phase change materials exhibit more than one crystalline state, e.g. a face-centered cubic (FCC) state and a hexagonal closest packing (HCP) state. These two crystalline states have different resistivities and may be used to store bits of data.

Phase change in the phase change materials may be induced reversibly. In this way, the memory may change from the amorphous state to the crystalline state and from the crystalline state to the amorphous state in response to temperature changes. The temperature changes to the phase change material may be achieved in a variety of ways. For example, a laser can be directed to the phase change material, current may be driven through the phase change material, or current can be fed through a resistive heater adjacent the phase change material. In any of these methods, controllable heating of the phase change material causes controllable phase change within the phase change material.

A phase change memory including a memory array having a plurality of memory cells that are made of phase change material may be programmed to store data utilizing the memory states of the phase change material. One way to read and write data in such a phase change memory device is to control a current and/or a voltage pulse that is applied to the phase change material. The level of current and/or voltage generally corresponds to the temperature induced within the phase change material in each memory cell.

For data storage applications, reducing the physical memory cell size is a continuing goal. Reducing the physical memory cell size increases the storage density of the memory and reduces the cost of the memory.

For these and other reasons, there is a need for the present invention.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention provides a memory. The memory includes a volume of phase change material, a first transistor coupled to the volume of phase change material for accessing a first storage location within the volume of phase change material, and a second transistor coupled to the volume of phase change material for accessing a second storage location within the volume of phase change material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the present invention and many of the intended advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a memory device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a stacked phase change memory.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of one layer of a stacked phase change memory.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of one layer of a stacked phase change memory.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a stacked phase change memory.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of one layer of the embodiment of the stacked phase change memory illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a stacked phase change memory.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of one layer of the embodiment of the stacked phase change memory illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of one layer of the stacked phase change memory illustrated in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments of the present invention can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a memory device 100. Memory device 100 includes a write pulse generator 102, a distribution circuit 104, memory cells 106 a, 106 b, 106 c, and 106 d, and a sense circuit 108. Memory cells 106 a-106 d are phase change memory cells that are based on the amorphous to crystalline phase transition of the memory material in the memory cell.

Memory device 100 includes a three dimensional array of memory cells. Multiple two dimensional arrays of memory cells are stacked atop each other to provide the three dimensional array of memory cells. Groups of memory cells within the three dimensional array of memory cells share a common volume of phase change material. Each common volume of phase change material provides multiple phase change material portions that provide storage locations for storing one bit or multiple bits of data. Each phase change material portion is electrically coupled to an access device for accessing the phase change material portion for read and write operations. The access device for each memory cell helps to improve signal integrity and reduce power consumption by significantly reducing leakage current during write operations as compared to a cross-point memory array architecture.

Each common volume of phase change material may run vertically, horizontally, or combined vertically and horizontally in the three dimensional array of memory cells. In one embodiment, each common volume of phase change material is a vertical column of material or “super via.” The phase change material super via transects the stacked two dimensional arrays of memory cells to provide storage locations for memory cells within each one of the two dimensional arrays within the stack. In one embodiment, the center or core of the phase change material super via is a conductive material. In one embodiment, two opposite sides of each phase change material super via within one layer of the stack of two dimensional arrays of memory cells provide two storage locations. Each of the two storage locations stores one bit or several bits of data. In another embodiment, four sides of each phase change material super via within one layer of the stack of two dimensional arrays of memory cells provide four storage locations. Each of the four storage locations stores one bit or several bits of data.

In one embodiment, each two dimensional array of memory cells within the three dimensional array of memory cells has its own bit lines and word lines for accessing the memory cells within the two dimensional array of memory cells. In this embodiment, memory cells sharing a common phase change material super via can be accessed simultaneously since neither bit lines nor word lines are shared, which allow separate control of each memory cell during read and write operations. In another embodiment, a single set of bit lines and/or word lines are shared by the memory cells sharing a common phase change material super via within the three dimensional array of memory cells.

As used herein, the term “electrically coupled” is not meant to mean that the elements must be directly coupled together and intervening elements may be provided between the “electrically coupled” elements.

In one embodiment, write pulse generator 102 generates current or voltage pulses that are controllably directed to memory cells 106 a-106 d via distribution circuit 104. In one embodiment, distribution circuit 104 includes a plurality of transistors that controllably direct current or voltage pulses to the memory cells. Write pulse generator 102 is electrically coupled to distribution circuit 104 through signal path 110. Distribution circuit 104 is electrically coupled to each of the memory cells 106 a-106 d through signal paths 112 a-112 d. Distribution circuit 104 is electrically coupled to memory cell 106a through signal path 112 a. Distribution circuit 104 is electrically coupled to memory cell 106 b through signal path 112 b. Distribution circuit 104 is electrically coupled to memory cell 106 c through signal path 112 c. Distribution circuit 104 is electrically coupled to memory cell 106 d through signal path 112 d. In addition, distribution circuit 104 is electrically coupled to sense circuit 108 through signal path 114, and sense circuit 108 is electrically coupled to write pulse generator 102 through signal path 116.

Sense circuit 108 senses the state of the memory cells 106 a-106 d and provides signals that indicate the state of the resistance of the memory cells 106 a-106 d. Sense circuit 108 reads each state of memory cells 106 a-106 d through signal path 114. Distribution circuit 104 controllably directs read signals between sense circuit 108 and memory cells 106 a-106 d through signal paths 112 a-112 d. In one embodiment, distribution circuit 104 includes a plurality of transistors that controllably direct read signals between sense circuit 108 and memory cells 106 a-106 d.

In one embodiment, memory cells 106 a-106 d include a phase change material that may be changed from an amorphous state to a crystalline state or from a crystalline state to an amorphous state under influence of temperature change. The degree of crystallinity thereby defines at least two memory states for storing data within memory device 100. The at least two memory states can be assigned to the bit values “0” and “1”. The bit states of memory cells 106 a-106 d differ significantly in their electrical resistivity. In the amorphous state, a phase change material exhibits significantly higher resistivity than in the crystalline state. In this way, sense amplifier 108 reads the cell resistance such that the bit value assigned to a particular memory cell 106 a-106 d is determined.

To program a memory cell 106 a-106 d within memory device 100, write pulse generator 102 generates a current or voltage pulse for heating the phase change material in the target memory cell. In one embodiment, write pulse generator 102 generates an appropriate current or voltage pulse, which is fed into distribution circuit 104 and distributed to the appropriate target memory cell 106 a-106 d. The current or voltage pulse amplitude and duration is controlled depending on whether the memory cell is being set or reset. Generally, a “set” operation of a memory cell is heating the phase change material of the target memory cell above its crystallization temperature (but below its melting temperature) long enough to achieve the crystalline state. Generally, a “reset” operation of a memory cell is heating the phase change material of the target memory cell above its melting temperature, and then quickly quench cooling the material, thereby achieving the amorphous state.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a stacked phase change memory 200. Stacked phase change memory 200 includes phase change material super via 202, contacts or heaters 216 a and 216 b, conductive lines 204 a, 204 b, and 220, word lines 210 a and 210 b, select line 226, and transistors 213 a, 213 b, and 229. Transistor 213 a includes one of a source and a drain 206 a and the other of the source and the drain 214 a, channel 212 a, and gate 208 a. Transistor 213 b includes one of a source and a drain 206 b and the other of the source and the drain 214 b, channel 212 b, and gate 208 b. Transistor 229 includes one of a source and a drain 222 and the other of the source and the drain 230, channel 228, and gate 224.

Conductive line 204 a is electrically coupled to side 206 a of the source-drain path of transistor 213 a. Gate 208 a of transistor 213 a is electrically coupled to word line 210 a. Side 214 a of the source-drain source path of transistor 213 a is electrically coupled to contact or heater 216 a. Contact or heater 216 a contacts phase change material super via 202 at 218 a.

Conductive line 204 b is electrically coupled to side 206 b of the source-drain path of transistor 213 b. Gate 208 b of transistor 213 b is electrically coupled to word line 210 b. Side 214 b of the source-drain source path of transistor 213 b is electrically coupled to contact or heater 216 b. Contact or heater 216 b contacts phase change material super via 202 at 218 b.

Conductive line 222 is electrically coupled to side 222 of the source-drain path of transistor 229. Gate 224 of transistor 229 is electrically coupled to select line 226. Side 230 of the source-drain source path of transistor 229 is electrically coupled to the bottom of phase change material super via 202 at 218 c.

Phase change material super via 202 is substantially in the crystalline state. The portions of phase change material at 218 a and 218 b at the interfaces between contacts or heaters 216 a and 216 b and phase change material super via 202 provide storage locations. The storage locations change state from crystalline to amorphous and from amorphous to crystalline in response to temperature changes. The remainder and bulk of phase change material super via 202 remains in the crystalline state, such that the storage location at 218 a is independent from the storage location at 218 b. The state of the storage location at 218 a does not affect read or write operations to the storage location at 218 b, and the state of the storage location at 218 b does not affect read or write operations to the storage location at 218 a.

Phase change material super via 202 may be made up of a variety of materials in accordance with the present invention. Generally, chalcogenide alloys that contain one or more elements from group VI of the periodic table are useful as such materials. In one embodiment, phase change material super via 202 is made up of a chalcogenide compound material, such as GeSbTe, SbTe, GeTe, or AgInSbTe. In another embodiment, phase change material super via 202 is chalcogen free, such as GeSb, GaSb, InSb, or GeGaInSb. In other embodiments, phase change material super via 202 is made up of any suitable material including one or more of the elements Ge, Sb, Te, Ga, As, In, Se, and S. In another embodiment, the super via includes a stack of different phase change materials or differently doped phase change material regions. In one embodiment, the phase change material for phase change material super via 202 is deposited after the transistors 213 a and 213 b have been fabricated.

In one embodiment, conductive lines 204 a and 204 b are bit lines. In another embodiment, conductive lines 204 a and 204 b are common or ground lines. Transistor 213 a is an access device for accessing storage location 218 a at the interface between heater 216 a and phase change material super via 202. In response to a logic high signal on word line 210 a, transistor 213 a turns on to pass a signal between conductive line 204 a and storage location 218 a to set, reset, or read storage location 218 a. In response to a logic low signal on word line 210 a, transistor 213 a turns off.

Transistor 213 b provides an access device for accessing storage location 218 b at the interface between heater 216 b and phase change material super via 202. In response to a logic high signal on word line 210 b, transistor 213 b turns on to pass a signal between conductive line 204 b and storage location 218 b to set, reset, or read storage location 218 b. In response to a logic low signal on word line 210 a, transistor 213 a turns off.

Contacts or heaters 218 a and 218 b comprise TiN, TaN, W, Al, Cu, TiSiN, TaSiN, or other suitable contact or heater material. With transistor 210 a turned on and in response to a write signal, the phase change material at storage location 218 a is heated to set or reset the phase change material. With transistor 210 b turned on and in response to a write signal, the phase change material at storage location 218 b is heated to set or reset the phase change material.

In one embodiment, transistor 229 is a page select device. In response to a logic high signal on select line 226, transistor 229 turns on to pass a current or voltage signal between conductive line 220 and phase change material super via 202. In one embodiment, conductive line 220 is a common or ground line and transistor 226 turns on to enable storage locations 218 a and 218 b to be set, reset, or read by providing a current path to ground. In another embodiment, conductive line 220 is a source line and transistor 226 turns on to enable storage locations 218 a and 218 b to be set, reset, or read by providing a common source. In another embodiment, transistor 229 is another access device for accessing a storage location at the bottom of phase change material super via 202 at 218 c. In one embodiment, a contact or heater is electrically coupled between transistor 229 and phase change material super via 202.

In operation of one embodiment of stacked phase change memory 200, transistor 229 is turned on by applying a logic high signal on select line 226 to enable storage locations 218 a and 218 b for access. To access storage location 218 a, transistor 213 a is turned on by applying a logic high signal on word line 210 a to set, reset, or read the data stored in storage location 218 a. Storage location 218 a is set by heating the phase change material portion at the interface between contact or heater 216 a and phase change material super via 202 above its crystallization temperature (but below its melting temperature) long enough to achieve the crystalline state. Storage location 218 a is reset by heating the phase change material portion at the interface between contact or heater 216 a and phase change material super via 202 above its melting temperature, and then quickly quench cooling the material, thereby achieving the amorphous state.

Storage location 218 a is read by applying a voltage and/or current signal to the phase change material portion at the interface between contact or heater 216 a and phase change material super via 202. Sense circuit 108 senses the current and/or voltage through the phase change material portion to determine the resistance and thus the data stored in storage location 218 a. Other storage locations within stacked phase change memory 200, such as storage location 218 b, are accessed in a similar manner as storage location 218 a.

While two storage locations at 218 a and 218 b are illustrated, any suitable number of additional storage locations can be provided within phase change material super via 202 in layers stacked above the layer hosting transistor 213 a. In addition, any suitable number of phase change material super vias 202 can be used in stacked phase change memory 200 to provide the three dimensional array of memory cells.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of one layer 240 of a stacked phase change memory, such as stacked phase change memory 200. Layer 240 includes word lines 242 a and 242 b, bit lines 244 a and 244 b, transistors 246 a-246 d, contacts or heaters 248 a-248 d, and phase change material super vias 202 a and 202 b. Any suitable number of layers 240 can be stacked atop each other to provide a three dimensional array of phase change memory cells. Each of the layers 240 share phase change material super vias 202 a and 202 b.

One side of word line 242 a is electrically coupled to the gate of transistor 246 a and the gate of transistor 246 b. One side of word line 242 b is electrically coupled to the gate of transistor 246 c and the gate of transistor 246 d. Bit line 244 a is electrically coupled to one side of the source-drain path of transistor 246 a and one side of the source-drain path of transistor 246 c. Bit line 244 b is electrically coupled to one side of the source-drain path of transistor 246 b and one side of the source-drain path of transistor 246 d.

The other side of the source-drain path of transistor 246 a is electrically coupled to one side of contact or heater 248 a. The other side of contact or heater 248 a contacts a first side of phase change material super via 202 a. The other side of the source-drain path of transistor 246 b is electrically coupled to one side of contact or heater 248 b. The other side of contact or heater 248 b contacts a second side of phase change material super via 202 a opposite the first side of phase change material super via 202 a.

The other side of the source-drain path of transistor 246 c is electrically coupled to one side of contact or heater 248 c. The other side of contact or heater 248 c contacts a first side of phase change material super via 202 b. The other side of the source-drain path of transistor 246 d is electrically coupled to one side of contact or heater 248 d. The other side of contact or heater 248 d contacts a second side of phase change material super via 202 b opposite the first side of phase change material super via 202 b.

Bit lines 244 a and 244 b are perpendicular to words lines 242 a and 242 b. In one embodiment, bit lines 244 a and 244 b are in a first interconnect layer and word lines 242 a and 242 b are in a second interconnect layer below the first interconnect layer. In another embodiment, bit lines 244 a and 244 b are in a first interconnect layer and word lines 242 a and 242 b are in a second interconnect layer above the first interconnect layer. Transistor 246 a is an access device for accessing a storage location at the interface between contact or heater 248 a and phase change material super via 202 a. In response to a logic signal on word line 242 a, transistor 246 a turns on to pass a signal between bit line 244 a and phase change material super via 202 a to set, reset, or read the state of a phase change material portion at the interface between contact or heater 248 a and phase change material super via 202 a. In response to a difference logic signal on word line 242 a, transistor 246 a turns off. Transistors 246 b, 246 c, and 246 d operate similarly to transistor 246 a for accessing storage locations at the interfaces between contacts or heaters 248 b, 248 c, and 248 d and phase change material super vias 202 a and 202 b.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of one layer 260 of a stacked phase change memory. Layer 260 includes word lines 262 a-262 d, bit lines 264 a-264 d, transistors 266 a-266 d, and phase change material super via 202. Any suitable number of layers 260 can be stacked atop each other to provide a three dimensional array of phase change memory cells. Each of the layers 260 share phase change material super via 202.

The bottom of word line 262 a is electrically coupled to the gate of transistor 266 b. One side of word line 262 b is electrically coupled to the gate of transistor 266 a. One side of word line 262 c is electrically coupled to the gate of transistor 266 c. The bottom of word line 262 d is electrically coupled to the gate of transistor 266 d. The source-drain path of transistor 266 a is electrically coupled between bit line 264 a and a first side of phase change material super via 202. In one embodiment, transistor 266 a is electrically coupled to the first side of phase change material super via 202 through a contact or heater. The source-drain path of transistor 266 b is electrically coupled between bit line 264 c and a second side of phase change material super via 202 perpendicular to the first side of phase change material super via 202. In one embodiment, transistor 266 b is electrically coupled to the second side of phase change material super via 202 through a contact or heater.

The source-drain path of transistor 266 c is electrically coupled between bit line 264 d and a third side of phase change material super via 202 opposite the first side of phase change material super via 202. In one embodiment, transistor 266 c is electrically coupled to the third side of phase change material super via 202 through a contact or heater. The source-drain path of transistor 266 d is electrically coupled between bit line 264 b and a fourth side of phase change material super via 202 opposite the second side of phase change material super via 202. In one embodiment, transistor 266 d is electrically coupled to the fourth side of phase change material super via 202 through a contact or heater.

Each of the four sides of phase change material super via 202 provides a storage location for storing one bit or several bits of data. Layer 260 provides four storage locations per phase change material super via 202 in a star configuration. Bit lines 264 a-264 d are perpendicular to words lines 262 a-262 d. In one embodiment, bit lines 264 a-264 d are in a first interconnect layer. Word lines 262 b and 262 c are in a second interconnect layer below the first interconnect layer, and word lines 262 a and 262 d are in a third interconnect layer below the second interconnect layer. In another embodiment, the third interconnect layer is above the second interconnect layer. In another embodiment, words lines 262 a-262 d are in the same interconnect layer. Transistors 266 a-266 d operate similarly to transistor 246 a for accessing storage locations within phase change material super via 202 as previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a stacked phase change memory 300 a. Stacked phase change memory 300 a includes bit line 302 a, phase change material super via 304 a including a conductive core 306 a, phase change material super via 304 b including a conductive core 306 b, transistors 308 a-308 f, word lines 312a-312f, common or ground lines 314 a-314 d, and contacts or heaters 310 a-310 f. In one embodiment, phase change material super via 304 a and phase change material super via 304 b each include a stack of at least two different phase change materials or differently doped phase change material regions. In one embodiment, conductive core 306 a and conductive core 306 b each include a stack of at least two conductive materials. The stack of phase change materials and conductive core materials are arranged concentrically, at an angle (e.g., cone shaped), in horizontal layers, or in another suitable configuration.

Bit line 302 a is electrically coupled to the top of phase change material super vias 304 a and 304 b including conductive cores 306 a and 306 b. Phase change material super via 304 a contacts one side of contact or heater 310 a and one side of contact or heater 310 c. The other side of contact or heater 310 a is electrically coupled to one side of the source-drain path of transistor 308 a. The gate of transistor 308 a is electrically coupled to word line 312 a. The other side of the source-drain path of transistor 308 a is electrically coupled to common or ground line 314 a. Common or ground line 314 a is electrically coupled to one side of the source-drain path of transistor 308 b. The gate of transistor 308 b is electrically coupled to word line 312 b. The other side of the source-drain path of transistor 308 b is electrically coupled to one side of contact or heater 310 b. The other side of contact or heater 310 b contacts one side of phase change material super via 304 b. The other side of phase change material super via 304 b contacts one side of contact or heater 310 c. The other side of contact or heater 310 c is electrically coupled to one side of the source-drain path of transistor 308 e. The gate of transistor 308 e is electrically coupled to word line 312 e. The other side of the source-drain path of transistor 308 c is electrically coupled to common or ground line 314 c.

The other side of contact or heater 310 c is electrically coupled to one side of the source-drain path of transistor 308 c. The gate of transistor 308 c is electrically coupled to word line 312 c. The other side of the source-drain path of transistor 308 c is electrically coupled to common or ground line 314 b. Common or ground line 314 b is electrically coupled to one side of the source-drain path of transistor 308 d. The gate of transistor 308 d is electrically coupled to word line 312 d. The other side of the source-drain path of transistor 308 d is electrically coupled to one side of contact or heater 310 d. The other side of contact or heater 310 d contacts one side of phase change material super via 304 b. The other side of phase change material super via 304 b contacts one side of contact or heater 310 f. The other side of contact or heater 310 f is electrically coupled to one side of the source-drain path of transistor 308 f. The gate of transistor 308 f is electrically coupled to word line 312 f. The other side of the source-drain path of transistor 308 f is electrically coupled to common or ground line 314 d.

In one embodiment, conductive cores 306 a and 306 b are TiN, TaN, W, Al, Cu, TiSiN, TaSiN, or other suitable conductive material having a resistance less than the resistance of the phase change material of phase change material super vias 304 a and 304 b in the crystalline state. In another embodiment, conductive cores 306 a and 306 b are formed by a suitable concentric layer stack, such as Ti/TiN/W. Conductive cores 306 a and 306 b are electrodes, which pass current between bit line 302 a and contacts or heaters 310 a-310 f, such that current only passes through the phase change material directly between conductive cores 306 a and 306 b and contacts or heaters 310 a-310 f. Transistors 308 a-308 f operate similarly to transistor 246 a for accessing storage locations within phase change material super vias 304 a and 304 b as previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of one layer 300 b of stacked phase change memory 300 a. Layer 300 b includes bit lines 302 a-302 c, word lines 312 a, 312 b, and 312 e, common or ground lines 314 a and 314 c, phase change material super vias 304 a-304 f, contacts or heaters 310 a, 310 b, 310 e, and 310 g-310 l. Any suitable number of layers 300 b can be stacked atop each other to provide a three dimensional array of phase change memory cells. Each of the layers 300 b share phase change material super vias 304 a-304 f and bit lines 302 a-302 c.

Bit line 302 a is electrically coupled to the tops of phase change material super vias 304 a and 304 b. Bit line 302 b is electrically coupled to the tops of phase change material super vias 304 c and 304 d. Bit line 302 c is electrically coupled to the tops of phase change material super vias 304 e and 304 f. Word line 312 a is electrically coupled to the gates of access transistors, such as access transistor 308 a. Likewise, word lines 312 b and 312 e are also electrically coupled to the gates of access transistors. Common or ground line 314 a is electrically coupled to one side of the source-drain path of access transistors, such as access transistors 308 a and 308 b. Likewise, common or ground line 314 c is also electrically coupled to one side of the source-drain path of access transistors.

Contact or heater 310 a contacts one side of phase change material super via 304 a. Contact or heater 310 b contacts a first side of phase change material super via 304 b, and contact or heater 310 e contacts a second side of phase change material super via 304 b opposite the first side of phase change material super via 304 b. Contact or heater 3l0 g contacts one side of phase change material super via 304 c. Contact or heater 310 h contacts a first side of phase change material super via 304 d, and contact or heater 310 i contacts a second side of phase change material super via 304 d opposite the first side of phase change material super via 304 d. Contact or heater 310 j contacts one side of phase change material super via 304 e. Contact or heater 310 k contacts a first side of phase change material super via 304 f, and contact or heater 310 l contacts a second side of phase change material super via 304 f opposite the first side of phase change material super via 304 f.

Bit lines 302 a-302 c are shared by all layers 300 b within stacked phase change memory 300 a. In one embodiment, bit lines 302 a-302 c are perpendicular to common or ground lines 312 a, 312 b, and 312 c, and word lines 314 a and 314 c. In another embodiment, bit lines 302 a-302 c are parallel to common or ground line 312 a, 312 b, and 312 e, and word lines 314 a and 314 c. Bit lines 302 a-302 c are in a first interconnect layer. Word lines 312 a, 312 b, and 312 c and common or ground lines 314 a and 314 c are in a second interconnect layer below the first interconnect layer.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a stacked phase change memory 350 a. Stacked phase change memory 350 a includes bit line 352 a, phase change material super via 354 a, common or ground 356 a, transistors 360 a-360 c, word lines 358 a-358 c, and contacts or heaters 362 a and 362 b. Word line 358 a is electrically coupled to the gate of transistor 360 a. The source-drain path of transistor 360 a is electrically coupled between common or ground 356 a and one side of contact or heater 362 a. The other side of contact or heater 362 a contacts phase change material super via 354 a at 364 a. The gate of transistor 360 b is electrically coupled to word line 358 b. The source-drain path of transistor 360 b is electrically coupled between common or ground 356 a and one side of contact or heater 362 b. The other side of contact or heater 362 b contacts phase change material super via 354 a at 364 b. Word line 358 c is electrically coupled to the gate of transistor 360 c. The source-drain path of transistor 360 c is electrically coupled between common or ground 356 a and the bottom of phase change material super via 354 a at 364 c. In one embodiment, transistor 360 c is electrically coupled to phase change material super via 354 a through a contact or heater.

Bit line 352 a is electrically coupled to the top of phase change material super via 354 a. Common or ground 356 a is shared by the layers within stacked phase change memory 350 a. In one embodiment, common or ground 356 a is a conductive via. In another embodiment, common or ground 356 a is a conductive plate of material. One transistor within a layer coupled to phase change material super via 354 a, such as transistor 360 a, is operated at a time to read or write data at a storage location within phase change material super via 354 a, such as storage location 364 a. Transistors 360 a-360 c operate similarly to transistor 246 a for accessing storage locations within phase change material super via 354 a as previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a layer 350 b of stacked phase change memory 350 a. Layer 350 b includes vertical common or ground plates 356 a and 356 b, word lines 358 a and 358 d, bit lines 352 a and 352 b, and phase change material super vias 354 a and 354 b. Any suitable number of layers 350 b can be stacked atop each other to provide a three dimensional array of phase change memory cells. Each of the layers 350 b share vertical common or ground plates 356 a and 356 b, bit lines 352 a and 352 b, and phase change material super vias 354 a and 354 b.

Bit line 352 a is electrically coupled to the top of phase change material super via 354 a. Bit line 352 b is electrically coupled to the top of phase change material super via 354 b. Word line 358 a is electrically coupled to the gates of access transistors, such as access transistor 360 a. Likewise, word line 358 d is also electrically coupled to the gates of access transistors. Common or ground plate 356 a is electrically coupled to one side of the source-drain path of access transistors, such as access transistors 360 a and 360 b. Likewise, common or ground plate 256 d is also electrically coupled to one side of the source-drain path of access transistors.

Bit lines 352 a and 352 b are shared by all layers 350 b within stacked phase change memory 350 a. In one embodiment, bit lines 352 a and 352 b are perpendicular to common or ground plates 356 a and 356 b and word lines 358 a and 358 d. In another embodiment, bit lines 352 a and 352 d are parallel to common or ground plates 356 a and 356 b and word lines 358 a and 358 d. Bit lines 352 a and 352 b are in a first interconnect layer. Word lines 358 a and 358 d are in a second interconnect layer below the first interconnect layer.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a layer 350 c of stacked phase change memory 350 a. Layer 350 c includes common or ground vias 356 a-356 d, word lines 358 a and 358 d, bit lines 352 a and 352 b, and phase change material super vias 354 a and 354 b. Any suitable number of layers 350 c can be stacked atop each other to provide a three dimensional array of phase change memory cells. Each of the layers 350 c share common or ground vias 356 a-356 d, bit lines 352 a and 352 b, and phase change material super vias 354 a and 354 b.

Bit line 352 a is electrically coupled to the top of phase change material super via 354 a. Bit line 352 b is electrically coupled to the top of phase change material super via 354 b. Word line 358 a is electrically coupled to the gates of access transistors, such as access transistor 360 a. Likewise, word line 358 d is also electrically coupled to the gates of access transistors. Common or ground via 356 a is electrically coupled to one side of the source-drain path of access transistors, such as access transistors 360 a and 360 b. Likewise, common or ground vias 256 b-256 d are also electrically coupled to one side of the source-drain path of access transistors.

Bit lines 352 a and 352 b are shared by all layers 350 c within stacked phase change memory 350a. In one embodiment, bit lines 352 a and 352 b are perpendicular to word lines 358 a and 358 d. In another embodiment, bit lines 352 a and 352 d are parallel to word lines 358 a and 358 d. Bit lines 352 a and 352 b are in a first interconnect layer. Word lines 358 a and 358 d are in a second interconnect layer below the first interconnect layer.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a stacked phase change memory that provides a three dimensional array of memory cells. The stacked phase change memory increases the bit density of the memory device. The bit density is increased by using a common volume of phase change material to provide multiple storage locations. In addition, the common volume of phase change material can include a stack of different phase change materials or differently doped phase change material regions. Each storage location is accessed by its own access device thereby significantly reducing leakage current during write operations as compared to a cross-point memory array architecture.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof. 

1. An integrated circuit comprising: a volume of phase change material; a first transistor coupled to the volume of phase change material for accessing a first storage location within the volume of phase change material; and a second transistor coupled to the volume of phase change material for accessing a second storage location within the volume of phase change material.
 2. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the first transistor and the second transistor are in the same layer.
 3. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the first transistor and the second transistor are adjacent.
 4. The integrated circuit of claim 1, further comprising: a third transistor coupled to the volume of phase change material for accessing a third storage location within the volume of phase change material; and a fourth transistor coupled to the volume of phase change material for accessing a fourth storage location within the volume of phase change material, wherein the first transistor, the second transistor, the third transistor, and the fourth transistor are in the same layer.
 5. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the volume of phase change material comprises a phase change material super via including a core comprising a material different from the phase change material.
 6. The integrated circuit of claim 5, wherein the core comprises a stack of at least two different conductive materials.
 7. The integrated circuit of claim 6, wherein the stack comprises one of a concentrically arranged stack, a horizontal layer stack, and a cone shaped stack.
 8. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the volume of phase change material comprises a stack of at least two different phase change materials.
 9. The integrated circuit of claim 8, wherein the stack comprises one of a concentrically arranged stack, a horizontal layer stack, and a cone shaped stack.
 10. The integrated circuit of claim 1, further comprising: a first heater contact coupled between the first transistor and the volume of phase change material; and a second heater contact coupled between the second transistor and the volume of phase change material.
 11. A memory comprising: a phase change material super via; a first transistor coupled to the super via for accessing a first storage location within the super via; and a second transistor coupled to the super via for accessing a second storage location within the super via.
 12. The memory of claim 11, wherein the phase change material super via comprises a core comprising a material different from the phase change material.
 13. The memory of claim 11, further comprising: a first word line coupled to a gate of the first transistor; a second word line coupled to a gate of the second transistor; and a bit line coupled to the phase change material super via.
 14. The memory of claim 13, wherein the bit line is perpendicular to the first word line and the second word line.
 15. The memory of claim 13, further comprising: a ground via coupled to the first transistor and the second transistor.
 16. The memory of claim 13, further comprising: a ground plate coupled to the first transistor and the second transistor.
 17. The memory of claim 13, further comprising: a first ground line coupled to the first transistor; and a second ground line coupled to the second transistor.
 18. A phase change memory comprising: means for accessing a first storage location; means for accessing a second storage location; and means for sharing a common volume of phase change material to provide the first storage location and the second storage location.
 19. The memory of claim 18, further comprising: means for simultaneously accessing the first storage location and the second storage location.
 20. The memory of claim 18, further comprising: means for heating phase change material in the first storage location for changing a state of the phase change material in the first storage location.
 21. A method for fabricating a memory, the method comprising: fabricating a first transistor for accessing a first storage location; fabricating a second transistor for accessing a second storage location; and fabricating a phase change material super via to provide the first storage location and the second storage location.
 22. The method of claim 22, further comprising: fabricating a first heater contact coupled between the first transistor and the first storage location; and fabricating a second heater contact coupled between the second transistor and the second storage location.
 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: fabricating a first word line coupled to a gate of the first transistor; and fabricating a second word line coupled to a gate of the second transistor.
 24. The method of claim 22, further comprising: fabricating a bit line coupled to the phase change material super via.
 25. The method of claim 22, further comprising: fabricating a first bit line coupled to the first transistor; and fabricating a second bit line coupled to the second transistor. 